Merry Christmas!

IN CHRIST ALONE

There is a popular, modern-day hymn, called “In Christ Alone”. This song, as well as any, has captured the essence of the Christian message. The message begins with the miraculous truth of the incarnation. In this doctrine, we learn that over 2000 years ago, in the small rural town of Bethlehem, God made His dwelling with man. The word “incarnation” literally means “in the flesh”. Jesus was no mere man, He was the miraculous incarnation of the eternal and Almighty God.

“In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness”

The song continues to tell the story of Jesus in the next verse,

“Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live”

The climax of Jesus’ life was His death on the cross. However, Jesus was not merely a victim, for He said, “No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! (John 10:18) You see, Jesus was uniquely qualified to absorb God’s just and holy judgement for sin. He was born to die. The good news (or gospel) is that anyone who puts their trust in Jesus will have their sin debt paid for in full. God cannot just look the other way when it comes to our sin. He is entirely pure and holy, and He will judge lawbreakers in proportion to their crimes. Yet at the same time, He is overflowing with compassion and love. That’s why Jesus was willing to take your penalty for you. Not only can you be forgiven for your past sins, but your future sins as well (because Christians still sin). God can grant you eternal life on the basis of substitution. Jesus took your sin, and in return, He offers you His perfect righteousness. Will you recieve it?

It’s a free gift, but it is very costly. It requires repentance. To repent, means to die to your former life and be born again. If you turn to God in faith, He will give you a new heart with new desires. God will become your Father, Jesus your friend, and the Holy Spirit will comfort you and guide you in your walk with Him. If you do that today, pick up a Bible and start reading the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Obey what you read, and find a good church to help you grow.

Christmas is all about Jesus. What better time for you to become a Christian? If you are already a believer, perhaps this season will renew your faith. I pray that it does; but most of all, I pray that you will be encouraged, by God’s grace, to share your faith with your family and friends. In Christ Alone

– Matt Johnson